Buying a diesel truck, low miles

Zigpep wrote:
Hello, looking at a 2006 dodge 3500 diesel dually with the 5.9 engine and manual 6 speed transmission. It only has 35,000 miles. Is this a good thing or bad thing? Anything we need to be looking for as far as possible issues? We have not seen it yet. Just doing the research, it is 6 hrs from us. The one concern we have is it has had 2 owners and the last owner did put 12,000 miles on it but only kept it a year. Seems odd to make a purchase like that and keep it for a year only.
Zigpep

Maybe the first owner only used it for towing?
Get a CarFax on it, and have a good look at it, watch for a very high price.

The other issues with early Ram is low GVWR, even for a Dually, likely in the 11,500# to 12,000# range.

Keep in mind that it is an 11 year old truck, while it is pre-emissions, many 2nd and 3rd gen Ram have ridiculous prices, and a new TV could be had for about 10K more.

If not equipped with an exhaust brake, it is easy to add to a 5.9 with a manual transmission.

Don't take too long to move as it is likely to go fast, unless way over priced.

I knew someone who bought a Dodge Diesel around 2006. He used it to commute to work, one mile each way. 2 miles a day.
Maybe the truck you are considering was used for something similar?
As far as I know, he didn't have any problems from the short commute.

If the guy does not want a million dollars for it and if he advertised it anywhere it's probably going to be gone already.

My daughter had an 06 2500 diesel. Loved it, great engine with lot of power. Never had any problems with the engine or transmission. She sold it this year when it had about 180K miles.

That would be the last of the 5.9 line. Lots of power, but lacking an exhaust brake. Very desirable item right now. It also only has EGR for emissions. Which is you,live someplace with no emission testing can easily be removed to make it better.

Zigpep wrote:
Hello, looking at a 2006 dodge 3500 diesel dually with the 5.9 engine and manual 6 speed transmission. It only has 35,000 miles. Is this a good thing or bad thing? Anything we need to be looking for as far as possible issues? We have not seen it yet. Just doing the research, it is 6 hrs from us. The one concern we have is it has had 2 owners and the last owner did put 12,000 miles on it but only kept it a year. Seems odd to make a purchase like that and keep it for a year only.
Zigpep

Low mileage is a good thing and you are wise to be concerned. Try to find some history on the truck, perhaps it was wrecked. Do a thorough inspection, or have it done.